The 45+ Best Action Shows Of 2020, Ranked
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Voting Rules
Any action television series that aired new episodes during the 2020 calendar year.
- 1John Krasinski, Wendell Pierce, Noomi RapaceIn a world where geopolitical tensions are constantly on the rise, Jack Ryan emerges as an intelligent and thrilling television series that delves into the complexities of international conflict. With several awards nominations under its belt, this action-packed drama keeps viewers on the edge of their seats as they follow CIA analyst Jack Ryan (John Krasinski) through his transformation from a desk-bound data cruncher to a field operative, uncovering terrorist plots and navigating dangerous situations. Supported by a stellar cast, Jack Ryan strikes a balance between character-driven storytelling and adrenaline-fueled action sequences, making it a must-watch for fans of espionage thrillers.More Jack Ryan
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- 2Andrew Koji, Jason Tobin, Olivia ChengA young martial arts prodigy finds himself caught up in the bloody Chinatown Tong wars.More Warrior
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- 3James Spader, Diego Klattenhoff, Hisham Tawfiq"Red" Reddington agrees to work with the FBI, on the condition he'll only work with profiler Keen.More The Blacklist
- #55 of 302 onThe Best TV Shows Of The Past 20 Years
- #123 of 202 onThe TV Shows With The Best Writing
- #55 of 654 onThe 500+ Best Drama Shows
- 4Karl Urban, Jack Quaid, Antony StarrThe Boys embark on a quest to expose the truth about The Seven, superheroes who abuse their powers.
- 5Pedro Alonso, Úrsula Corberó, Álvaro MorteAn organized band of thieves intends to commit the robbery of the century.More Money Heist
- #215 of 302 onThe Best TV Shows Of The Past 20 Years
- #163 of 202 onThe TV Shows With The Best Writing
- #43 of 51 onTV Shows Stephen King Would Watch
- 6
Treadstone
Jeremy Irvine, Brian J. Smith, Omar MetwallyTreadstone, an action-packed espionage thriller, unravels the mysterious origins of a covert CIA program. The series delves into the lives of sleeper agents, awakening to execute deadly missions. Jeremy Irvine (J. Randolph Bentley) leads a talented ensemble cast, delivering adrenaline-fueled performances that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. Showcasing stunning international locations and breathtaking action sequences, Treadstone has garnered praise for its complex narrative and gripping suspense. Inspired by the Bourne film franchise, this engaging television drama offers a fresh take on the world of espionage, earning its place among the ranks of must-watch spy thrillers.More Treadstone- #28 of 51 onThe Best USA Network Shows
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- 7Sope Dirisu, Joe Cole, Colm MeaneyThe head of London's most powerful crime family is assassinated, creating a power vacuum.More Gangs of London
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- #75 of 137 onThe Very Best British Crime Dramas
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- 8Alexander Dreymon, Emily Cox, Timothy InnesSet against the backdrop of the tumultuous 9th century, The Last Kingdom unravels the gripping narrative of Uhtred (Alexander Dreymon), a Saxon-born warrior who finds himself torn between two worlds. As the series unfolds, viewers are transported through the power struggles and alliances that shaped England's history. With its impeccable storytelling and richly developed characters, this historical drama has garnered critical acclaim and a devoted fanbase. The Last Kingdom continues to enthrall with its potent mix of brutal battles, political intrigue, and personal vendettas, all while staying true to its source material - Bernard Cornwell's best-selling novels.
- 9David Boreanaz, Max Thieriot, Neil BrownA tight-knit unit of Navy SEALs trains, plans and executes dangerous, high-stakes missions.More SEAL Team
- #10 of 112 onThe Best Drama TV Shows Airing Now
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- 10Shemar Moore, Alex Russell, Jay HarringtonA Los Angeles S.W.A.T. lieutenant balances loyalty to the job and to the streets where he grew up.More SWAT
- #56 of 83 onThe 75+ Best CBS Shows
- #45 of 81 onThe Best TV Reboots & Revivals
- #48 of 117 onThe 100+ Best TV Cop Shows
- 11
Condor
Max Irons, Brendan Fraser, William HurtCondor (Audience, 2018) is an American television series created by Todd Katzburg and Jason Smilovic, based on the novel by James Grady. Young CIA analyst Joe Turner (Max Irons) has his idealism tested when he joins the CIA hoping to reform it from within, but ends up stumbling onto a terrible plan that threatens the lives of millions. - 12Nathan Fillion, Mekia Cox, Alyssa DiazThe Rookie, a refreshing take on the crime-drama genre, follows the story of John Nolan (Nathan Fillion), a forty-something rookie police officer who trades in his comfortable small-town life to pursue his dream of becoming an LAPD cop. The series, which has garnered critical acclaim and a loyal fan base, strikes a fine balance between high-stakes action, emotional depth, and well-timed humor. As the oldest rookie on the force, Nolan faces skepticism from his fellow officers and superior officers alike, but his unwavering determination and unique perspective prove to be invaluable assets in solving cases and navigating the complexities of modern policing.More The Rookie
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- #10 of 95 onThe Best ABC Shows of All Time
- #16 of 53 onThe Best ABC Dramas of All Time
- 13Alex O'Loughlin, Scott Caan, Chi McBrideHawaii Five-0, an action-packed police procedural drama, gracefully showcases the picturesque landscape of Hawaii while delving into its rich cultural heritage. The series has garnered several award nominations for its exceptional storytelling and stellar performances. At its core, the show follows a skilled task force led by Steve McGarrett (Alex O'Loughlin) and Danny Williams (Scott Caan), as they tackle high-profile crimes across the islands. Each episode blends thrilling action sequences with moments of heartfelt camaraderie among the team members, creating an engaging and immersive viewing experience. Steeped in local lore and traditions, Hawaii Five-0 offers a refreshing take on the classic crime-solving genre.More Hawaii Five-0
- #191 of 302 onThe Best TV Shows Of The Past 20 Years
- #41 of 54 onThe 50+ Best TV Shows With 10+ Seasons
- #200 of 654 onThe 500+ Best Drama Shows
- 14Jay Hernandez, Perdita Weeks, Zachary KnightonA former Navy SEAL works as a private investigator in Hawaii with the help of his partner and team.More Magnum, P.I.
- #46 of 81 onThe Best TV Reboots & Revivals
- #12 of 23 onThe Best '80s TV Reboots
- #8 of 11 onThe Best 'NCIS' Shows, From 'JAG' to 'Hawaii Five-0'
- 15Niv Sultan, Shaun Toub, Glenn CloseTehran is a gripping Israeli espionage thriller that delves into the high-stakes world of international intelligence and undercover missions. The series follows Tamar Rabinyan (Niv Sultan), a Mossad hacker-agent who embarks on her first mission in Iran's capital, which also happens to be the city of her birth. While tasked with disabling a nuclear reactor, her operation goes awry, forcing her to go rogue in a hostile city. Tamar's journey highlights themes of identity, survival, and the moral ambiguities of espionage. Tehran has earned critical acclaim for its intense storytelling and intricate plot developments.More Tehran
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- 16Alice Braga, Hemky Madera, David AndrewsQueen of the South, premiering in 2016, is a gripping crime drama that follows Teresa Mendoza (Alice Braga), a woman forced to run from a Mexican drug cartel and seek refuge in America. The series goes into themes of survival, power, and the human cost of the drug trade. As Teresa builds her own drug empire to take down her enemies, she becomes the 'queen' of her domain. Notable for its strong female lead and intense storytelling, Queen of the South has been recognized with an Imagen Foundation Award for Best Television Drama.
- 17Steven Strait, Dominique Tipper, Wes ChathamThe Expanse, a gripping science fiction series, offers a rich narrative that unfolds in a meticulously crafted universe. Set amidst the vast expanse of space, the show delves into political intrigue, interstellar conflict, and the complexities of human nature. Featuring an ensemble cast, standout performances include Thomas Jane as Detective Josephus Miller and Shohreh Aghdashloo as the formidable Chrisjen Avasarala. The series has garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated fan following, earning a Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation. With its stunning visuals and thought-provoking themes, The Expanse is a must-watch for any sci-fi aficionado.More The Expanse
- #2 of 282 onThe 260+ Best SciFi Shows Of All Time
- #154 of 654 onThe 500+ Best Drama Shows
- #264 of 298 on285+ Smart TV Shows That Only Intellectuals Appreciate
- 18
Watchmen
Regina King, Jeremy Irons, Don JohnsonIn an alternate history, superheroes are treated as outlaws.More Watchmen - 19
9-1-1
Angela Bassett, Peter Krause, Oliver StarkThe lives and careers of emergency response providers who put their lives at risk to save others.More 9-1-1- #20 of 112 onThe Best Drama TV Shows Airing Now
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- 20Christian Kane, Samantha Richelle, Arthur AcuñaAlex Walker is a former U.S. DEA agent who was forced into early retirement.More Almost Paradise
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- #121 of 150 onThe 80+ Best Amazon Prime Shows
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- 21Jason Beghe, Patrick Flueger, LaRoyce HawkinsChicago P.D.'s Intelligence Unit investigates formidable offenses to deliver justice for the city.More Chicago P.D.
- #23 of 112 onThe Best Drama TV Shows Airing Now
- #42 of 86 onThe Best Shows About Crime-Fighting Duos
- #88 of 206 onThe 150+ Most Popular Shows Right Now
- 22Boyd Holbrook, Kiefer Sutherland, Tiya SircarThe Fugitive, which premiered on August 3, 2020, is a thrilling reboot of the classic series. The show centers around Mike Ferro (Boyd Holbrook), who becomes the target of a citywide manhunt after being wrongfully accused of causing a subway explosion. Detective Clay Bryce (Kiefer Sutherland), is hell-bent on bringing Ferro to justice. The series dives into themes of media influence and the rush to judge in our modern society. It's an adrenaline-fueled chase that keeps viewers excited from start to finish.
- 23Norman Reedus, Melissa McBride, Lauren CohanIn a world ravaged by an apocalyptic outbreak, The Walking Dead delves into the raw struggles and triumphs of humanity amidst a gruesome reality. This gripping drama series, which has garnered numerous accolades including a Golden Globe nomination, expertly balances heart-wrenching emotion with nail-biting action. Viewers follow the journey of Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln), a former sheriff's deputy, as he navigates this unforgiving landscape alongside an ensemble of diverse and dynamic characters. As they face both flesh-hungry walkers and treacherous humans, their resilience and morality are put to the ultimate test, resulting in a thought-provoking exploration of survival and human nature.More The Walking Dead
- 24
MacGyver
Lucas Till, Tristin Mays, Justin HiresIn an ingenious fusion of action, adventure, and problem-solving, the rebooted series pays homage to its classic '80s predecessor while incorporating modern twists. Viewers follow the resourceful Angus MacGyver (Lucas Till) as he uses his extraordinary intellect and unconventional methods to outwit adversaries and save countless lives. Nominated for multiple Teen Choice Awards, this show delves into the intricacies of teamwork and friendship, as MacGyver collaborates with a covert government organization, led by the stern but caring Patricia Thornton (Sandrine Holt). With each thrilling episode, audiences are treated to a masterclass in creative thinking and daring escapades.More MacGyver- #12 of 83 onThe 75+ Best CBS Shows
- #1 of 81 onThe Best TV Reboots & Revivals
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- 25Grant Gustin, Candice Patton, Danielle PanabakerWhen a freak accident grants CSI Barry Allen superspeed, he uses the power to solve crimes.More The Flash
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- #14 of 112 onThe Best Drama TV Shows Airing Now
- 26Tom Selleck, Donnie Wahlberg, Bridget MoynahanA multigenerational family of police officers dedicated to enforcing the law in New York.More Blue Bloods
- #199 of 302 onThe Best TV Shows Of The Past 20 Years
- #58 of 119 onThe 100+ Best Dramedy TV Series, Ranked
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- 27Brandon Routh, Dominic Purcell, Caity LotzA time-traveling group of heroes and villains must confront formidable threats to reality itself.More Legends of Tomorrow
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- #116 of 282 onThe 260+ Best SciFi Shows Of All Time
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- 28Brendan Fraser, Matt Bomer, April BowlbyIn a brilliantly offbeat and surreal foray into the superhero genre, Doom Patrol explores the lives of a group of misfits as they navigate their newfound powers and personal challenges. Boasting an impressive ensemble cast, including Robotman (Brendan Fraser), Crazy Jane (Diane Guerrero), and Elasti-Woman (April Bowlby), the series delves into darker themes with humor and heart, setting it apart from its contemporaries. Recognized for its exceptional storytelling and character development, Doom Patrol has been nominated for multiple awards, including a Saturn Award for Best Superhero Television Series. Amidst the chaos, viewers will find a compelling narrative that transcends traditional comic book adaptations.More Doom Patrol
- Dig Deeper...The Best Characters On 'Doom Patrol'
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- #66 of 685 onThe 600+ Best TV Shows Of The Last 5 Years
- 29David Castañeda, Christoph Waltz, Anna GunnA man accepts an offer to participate in a deadly game in which he is not the hunter but the prey.More Most Dangerous Game
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- 30Melissa Benoist, Chyler Leigh, Mehcad BrooksIn a world where superheroes are often portrayed as male, Supergirl breaks the mold with its strong, female lead character Kara Danvers (Melissa Benoist). The show skillfully blends action, drama, and humor to create an engaging narrative that appeals to a wide audience. Throughout the series, viewers witness the growth of Kara as she navigates her dual life as a reporter and a crime-fighter, facing off against various adversaries while also grappling with personal relationships. The show's well-crafted storylines and top-notch performances have earned it several award nominations, including Teen Choice Awards and Saturn Awards. Supergirl's fresh take on the superhero genre makes it a standout addition to the ever-growing roster of comic book adaptations.More Supergirl
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- #124 of 282 onThe 260+ Best SciFi Shows Of All Time
